Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF):

Definition:

HFpEF is a type of heart failure where the heart's ejection fraction (EF) is normal or preserved (greater than 50%), but the heart still has difficulty pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Pathophysiology:

1. _Diastolic dysfunction_: The heart has impaired relaxation and filling during diastole.
2. _Increased stiffness_: The heart muscle becomes stiffer, making it harder for the heart to relax and fill.
3. _Vascular stiffness_: Blood vessels become stiffer, increasing blood pressure and workload on the heart.
4. _Neurohormonal activation_: Hormonal changes lead to increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and cardiac remodeling.

Clinical Features:

1. Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
2. Fatigue
3. Swollen legs and feet (edema)
4. Coughing or wheezing
5. Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Diagnosis:

1. _Echocardiogram_: Normal EF (greater Than 50%)
2. _Cardiac biomarkers_: Elevated levels of natriuretic peptides (e.g., BNP, NT-proBNP)
3. _Stress test_: Reduced exercise capacity or abnormal hemodynamics
4. _Chest X-ray_: Cardiomegaly or pulmonary congestion

Treatment:

1. _Diuretics_: Reduce fluid overload and edema
2. _Beta-blockers_: Slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure
3. _ACE inhibitors or ARBs_: Reduce blood pressure and

#Heartfailure